[Greens-Media] MEDIA RELEASE: Planning Minister protects Rio Tinto and removes community appeal rights

[David Shoebridge]

Planning Minister protects Rio Tinto and removes community appeal rights

Media release
20 November 2014

The Minister for Planning Pru Goward must explain to the people of the Hunter why she has chosen to directly interfere in Rio Tinto’s Warkworth and Mt Thorley Continuation projects and remove the community’s merit appeal rights to the Land and Environment Court.

These were the rights that saved the tiny township of Bulga from the destructive open cut coal mines last year.

Minister Goward has referred the projects to the Planning and Assessment Commission and required it to hold a “public hearing”. The direction to hold a public hearing protects mining giant Rio Tinto from facing a merit appeal in the Land and Environment Court.

Under section 23F of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act if the Planning and Assessment Commission holds a “public hearing” all merit appeal rights to the court are removed. A public meeting does not affect appeal rights.

Greens MP and Planning spokesperson David Shoebridge said:

“The Minister needs to provide an explanation as to why she chose to directly interfere in the planning process and kill off the community’s merit appeal rights.

“Removing the community’s appeal rights through these restricted Planning and Assessment Commission delegations is nothing but a direct gift to Rio Tinto.

“Rather than ensuring that the merits of the proposal are thoroughly assessed the Planning Minister has chosen to protect Rio Tinto with the rubber stamp of the Planning and Assessment Commission.

“Given that the close working relationship between Rio Tinto and the Planning Department it is little surprise that the Minister delivered this present at the direct expense of the residents of Bulga.” Mr Shoebridge said.

Media contact: David Shoebridge 9230 3030

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David Shoebridge

Greens MP in the NSW Legislative Council

P: (02) 9230 3030 |Media: 0408 113 952|T: @ShoebridgeMLC<http://twitter.com/#!/shoebridgemlc>

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